A week of literary adventures at Henley Literary Festival
Pupils across the school enjoyed a vibrant and inspiring week of author events at the Henley Literary Festival, with each year group treated to a unique experience blending literature, creativity, and fun.
Reception & Year 1: Science, Slime and Storytelling with Zanna Davidson
Reception and Year 1 began their festival journey with a magical visit to meet author Zanna Davidson, who introduced them to her exciting new book Izzy the Inventor and the Time-Travelling Gnome. The children were captivated by the quirky cast of characters, including rhyming rabbits (with Rupert and Rufus chosen to represent them!), angry trolls, and a fearsome ogre.
The session was a perfect fusion of science and storytelling. It left pupils not only inspired by the story but also full of curiosity about the world around them.
Year 2: A Dino-mite Adventure with Andy Day
Year 2 had a roar-some time meeting much-loved TV presenter and author Andy Day, who brought his book Dino Dad: Mystery of the Missing Egg to life. Andy introduced the children to the characters and storyline, then led a fun drawing session where they created their own versions of Dino Dad, guided by illustrator Steven Lenton.
The children listened intentively when Andy read an extract from the book - complete with a cracked, missing dino egg! A memorable highlight was meeting Andy in person and posing for group photos to capture the magical moment.
Year 3: Secret Agents and Sketching with Dermot O’Leary
Year 3 were thrilled to meet broadcaster and author Dermot O’Leary, who spoke about his action-packed story Spy Fox and Agent Feathers. Dermot shared how his love of history shaped the exciting world of his book, weaving real-life inspiration into his fictional tale.
The children also enjoyed an exciting illustration masterclass with Claire Powell, the book’s illustrator, where they learned how to draw the flamboyant and fearless Gertrude Featherhorn.
Year 4: Rhyme, Rhythm and Rap with Mc Grammar
Year 4 kicked off their week with a rhythmic twist on classic children's books. In an energetic session hosted by Mc Grammar, blending literature with music, pupils read Each Peach Pear Plum and We're Going on a Bear Hunt to the beats of Eminem and Kendrick Lamar.
The fun escalated with an All-Teacher vs All-Pupil Rap Off, where Mrs Ramos relived her Backstreet Boys glory days, followed by a standout performance from Miss Parks with a nursery rhyme rap. The session sparked ideas for their own raps, with pupils realising that the more they read, the easier it becomes to write creatively.
Year 5: History and Heritage with Sathnam Sanghera
Year 5 enjoyed a fascinating and thought-provoking session with award-winning writer and journalist Sathnam Sanghera, who spoke about his new book of short stories exploring the British Empire.
He shared personal anecdotes about his childhood, his Sikh heritage, and how items we see every day, from food to fashion, have historical roots in the Empire. The children were particularly engaged in a fun quiz at the end, testing their newfound knowledge.
Year 6: Laughter and Magic with Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Year 6 enjoyed a spectacular visit to see Frank Cottrell-Boyce, current Children’s Laureate and author of The Blockbusters. Frank delighted the audience with mind-bending magic tricks and hilarious personal stories - especially a memorable one about his first day at school!
He also read extracts from The Blockbusters, leaving the children inspired and eager to start reading.
A Festival to Remember
From slime and science to dino mysteries, secret agents, rap battles, and historical tales, this year's visits to the Henley Literary Festival provided unforgettable experiences for all year groups. The week was a wonderful reminder of the joy of reading, the power of storytelling, and the many ways books can open up the world.